See below the full statement issued:
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) commends the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for their ongoing efforts and more specifically the recent successful enforcement actions against raiding and other illegal mining activities, which last week saw the dismantling of several illegal operations within the last few weeks.
Over the years, the GGDMA has consistently appealed to the authorities to eradicate illegal mining and raiding. The Association has not wavered in its firm stance against these activities, which tarnish the reputation of the sector and that of law-abiding miners and miniaturizes the value of the sector’s contribution to our economy. The GGDMA thanks the Government for its swift and decisive action in combating such illicit activities that are linked to gold smuggling operations which result in massive losses of taxes and royalties to the state coffers.
While we welcome foreign investment and the introduction of new technologies to the local sector by non-native operators, the Association is particularly concerned that a significant number of the recently stopped illegal mining operations were found to be owned and operated by non-Guyanese nationals. Non-nationals are guests in our country, they have been given the privilege, not the right, to mine in Guyana. Foreigners who trample on this privilege by violating laws and regulations, in particular repeat offenders, must face the strongest repercussions possible and further, should be banned from mining due to their flagrant disregard for the rule of law.
Brazilians detained during illegal mining operation
It is alarming that a number of repeat offenders, who have been known to engage in illegal activities in the past, were once again caught “red handed” during recent enforcement activities. These criminals are falsely self-identifying as “small miners”. The Association firmly rejects this misrepresentation. True small miners are hardworking contributors to the sector and should not have their reputation sullied by criminals masquerading as such. The GGDMA remains committed to supporting and defending the interests of genuine small-scale miners.
The GGDMA once again commends the government agencies for their continuous efforts to stamp out the scourge of unlawful activities in the interior of Guyana. We support the Government to continue to take all necessary actions to remove these rogue elements from the industry.
The Association also reminds all miners that gold must be sold only to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or to authorized buyers. Authorized buyers include Dealers licensed by the GGB and Licensed Traders in gold as approved by the GGMC.
A list of approved dealers can be found here https://ggb.gov.gy/dealers/
A list of approved traders can be found here https://www.ggmc.gov.gy/document/
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